Summary

In early June, Tom writes Mr. Greenleaf a letter. Tom tells Greenleaf that he has discovered an envelope from Dickie that was forgotten in a suitcase. Opening it up, Tom was surprised to find Dickie's will, leaving everything to his friend, Tom Ripley. Tom asks Mr. Greenleaf's advice on the will's authenticity, and how he should proceed. Tom says he is leaving Venice and gives his next address as the American Express office in Athens. Tom realizes what he is doing is dangerous, but just cannot stop himself. If an investigation is launched into the signatures, he may finally be arrested. However, Tom is down to his last two thousand dollars, transferred before Dickie's "disappearance" in February, and he does not have many options. He just cannot stand the idea of traveling to Greece as shy, meek, penniless little Tom Ripley.